Sidewinder Trail
Recommended Users: Mountain Bikers, Hikers
Trail Type: Singletrack
Distance: 4.1 miles (trail only)
Difficulty: Extreme / Most Difficult
To access the trail, take either the Barrel Roll Trail or Precipice Trail to the start of Sidewinder Trail. Please note: a full round trip from the Cove Wash Trailhead and back is approximately 13.2 miles.
From the top of the first mesa, Sidewinder continues with a steep, exposed descent featuring tight switchbacks. Riders should be prepared for a challenging drop with significant exposure.
After descending the edge of Sidewinder Mesa, the trail winds across a valley floor before climbing the next mesa. This ascent includes several technical rock features and some exposed sections, similar in difficulty to the previous descent.
Near the top, watch for “Hangover”—a large rock that looms above the trail. Just beyond is a narrow, technical section known as “Thread the Needle,” where you must carefully pass between rocks on both sides.
Once on top of the mesa, the trail becomes noticeably easier. Gentle switchbacks lead to the high point of the ride, offering sweeping views of the Beaver Dam Mountains to the west.
From there, you’ll descend through juniper groves and patches of slickrock before reconnecting with the Thread the Needle section. At this point, you’ll retrace your path along the first segment of the trail.
Enjoy the ride, and as always, stay alert for other trail users and desert wildlife.
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Geographic Coordinates
Directions
Getting to Cove Wash Trailhead:
From I-15 Exit 6, head north on Bluff Street.
Turn left onto Sunset Boulevard and continue as it becomes Santa Clara Drive.
Just before reaching the Jacob Hamblin Home (on your right), turn left onto Gates Lane.
Cross the river. At 0.4 miles, turn left off the pavement (note: this road is steep, rocky, and may be eroded—high-clearance vehicles are recommended).
At 0.7 miles, turn right at the sign marked “Reserve.”
Continue past the water tank. At 1.3 miles, turn right again at another “Reserve” sign.
Follow the road as it curves to the left. The trailhead parking area is located at 1.5 miles.